MoTD’s favorite a cappella group Voctave’s latest release is a cover of “On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever) from the 1965 musical of the same name. The song, written by Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner, was made famous by Barbra Streisand in her recording for the film adaptation five years later.
Voctave’s arrangement, by Jamey Ray, features actor/singer Tituss Burgess as the soloist. Beginning in Db, the tune modulates strikingly to F at 2:23.
“The members of the Dallas group Kings Return boast such perfect four-part harmonies they don’t need instruments, gadgets or electronics,” (Dallas Morning News). “They do, however, gravitate to one natural effect: Stairwell reverberation. Formed in 2016 to perform for bass vocalist Gabe Kunda’s graduation recital, Kings Return didn’t get serious until 2019, when videos of the band singing on a staircase at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington (TX) went viral. ‘That stairwell had such excellent reverb … it’s a huge part of our success: We joke that it’s the fifth member of the group,’ says baritone singer Jamall Williams.
Since its first video, King’s Return has racked up millions of views for its a cappella renditions of songs by everyone from Schubert to Shania Twain to Boyz II Men. Last fall, its recording of the Bee Gees’ ‘How Deep is Your Love’ earned Matt Cusson a Grammy nomination for best arrangement.”
Originally released by Dionne Warwick in 1983, “So Amazing” was co-written by Luther Vandross and bassist Marcus Miller. In 1986, Vandross covered his composition for his hit album Give Me the Reason. The a cappella version by Kings Return, released only a few days ago, starts in B major, drops a quick fake-out diversion from the key, and then lands decisively back in B major — within the first 16 seconds! The track transitions to G# major at 1:01, then F# major at 2:07; the closing sequence (starting at 2:37) drops the groove in favor of multiple overlapping harmonic footings which (surprise!) deliver us back to F# at the end.
Many thanks to Steve Travis for the submission of this beautifully re-imagined a cappella cover — his first contribution to MotD.
Rajaton “is a six member a cappella group founded in Helsinki, Finland, that comprises two sopranos, two baritones, and an alto and tenor each,” (DCTheaterArts). “Rajaton is a pop sensation in its native Finland, where it is renowned for its genre-crossing repertoire of classical to Europop and where it has a double platinum, three platinum, and a collection of gold records, amongst over awards under its belt. The group … continues to spread the joy of their music through touring in over twenty-five countries. … The name Rajaton is the Finnish word for ‘boundless’ and (is a) metaphor for the wide breadth of their repertoire.”
From AllMusic’s profile of the group: “The group released its first album, Nova, in 2000, and over the course of the next decade managed another eight releases, including albums and DVD offerings. Their October 2007 album, Maa, was another strong seller for the band, as it cracked the Top Ten on the Finland album charts.”
The joyful track “Laulamahan,” released in 2022, shifts in texture throughout while the overall tempo remains unchanged. There are several modulations, the first of which is a shift two whole steps downward at 0:43.
“Bless This House,” originally published in 1927 and written by Helen Taylor and May Brahe, is the final track on American singer Brian McKnight’s 2008 album I’ll Be Home For Christmas, his second holiday record. The track also features the a cappella group Take 6, known for their synthesis of jazz and spiritual themes.
The tune begins in Bb and shifts up to B at 1:48. A subtle transition to C major occurs around 3:29.
MotD favorite Voctave included “Silent Night” on their 2017 album Snow. The track begins in C and modulates up a third to E at 1:21.
“Goodnight My Someone” is from Meredith Willson’s classic 1957 musical The Music Man. The song is our first glimpse in Marian Paroo’s desire to find love. MotD favorite Voctave featured a cover of it on their lullaby album, Goodnight, My Someone, which was released last year.
The track, which features soprano Kate Lott, begins in C and gorgeously modulates up a third to E leading into the last A section at 2:03.
Home Free, an American country a cappella group, won the NBC reality singing competition The Sing-Off in 2013, which led to signing a record contract with Sony. The group, comprised of Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, Adam Rupp, Tim Foust, and Adam Chance, is actively touring, and their most recent album, So Long Dixie, came out last November
Sea Shanty Medley was released as a single in 2021. There are modulations scattered throughout the track; particularly distinct ones occur at 1:48 and 2:21.
In observance of Independence Day in the US, today we feature Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” covered here by the Nashville-based a cappella Christian group Anthem Lights. The group, which includes Caleb Grimm, Chad Graham, Joey Stamper, and Spencer Kane, has released seven albums. This arrangement begins in A and modulates suddenly to B at 1:01.
*This is the fifth and final installment of a weeklong series featuring covers of the 1956 song “You Don’t Know Me”*
The Da Capo singers were a barbershop quartet based in DC; according to the group’s Facebook page, they disbanded in 2017. This performance of “You Don’t Know Me,” arranged by Jim Clancy, was recorded live in 2016 at the Barbershop Harmony Society International Convention, held in Nashville, Tennessee. It begins in D and modulates up to Eb at 2:34.
“Proud Mary,” written by John Fogerty and originally recorded by the American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, was covered by Ike and Tina Turner in 1971 for their album Workin’ Together. Tina also later recorded a solo version, and frequently performed the song live. Turner died today at age 83.
BYU Noteworthy is a female a cappella group affiliated with Brigham Young University. They have released 7 albums and regularly perform across the country. Their arrangement begins in Eb and modulates up half step to E at 2:15.
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